Hi everyone!! Darren here!! My pen name is Martinee and this is my first blog! Yea and to ESPians reading my blog please do not confuse me with Martin Ho.. Ya we both are Singaporeans, wear specs and went to the same junior college but I assure you that we are two different entities =)
I have set up this blog to document my life as an exchange student when I'm in Japan. Yes, JAPAN! The holy grail of manga, anime, sushi, sashimi, historical sites and much much more!! Yup because of this reason that's why I decided to name my blog this way. Initially I thought of something like Xchange@Osaka but somehow this name ain't bringing out any kicks.. So I decided to name it SushiLandExchange as a tribute to my love for Japanese cuisine =)
Right now I mainly spend my time brushing up myhorrible Japanese, planning itineraries in Japan and doing mundane stuff like checking how to apply for internet services, mobile phone line and opening bank accounts. I think as compared to the rest of the ESP year 3 exchange students, ours (Franco included) is one of the more problematic, simply because of the language barrier. Imagine applying for a mobile phone plan and having to read the plan in Japanese.... Luckily, Koji-kun has been a great help to us. On hindsight, I'm glad that we got to know Koji Tatsumi. On foresight, I think he will be indispensable when we reach Japan.. Hehehe..
As of now, I am still waiting for thedamned Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to arrive. It has been more than 3 weeks since I last heard that this document was going to be sent to my address. Without it, I can't apply for my visa.. which is why I am getting quite restless. Seriously, I think they should consider scrapping visas for Singaporeans going to Japan. So far I have just been receiving bad news instead.. Like not being able to secure the JASSO scholarship (which is a FAT payout of about S$1230 per month) and failing my JLPT 3 (which I more or less expected already). Man proposes, but Heaven disposes.. haiz.. But I won't be discouraged! I'll go for N2 level exam once I come back from Japan (ya, they changed the name, won't be called JLPT anymore).
Other than these issues, I've just been keeping fit by playing badminton and swimming once a week. I plan to take my IPPT before I fly off but I haven't booked a date yet.. cos of my low confidence in my 2.4km. I better starting training...
Well that's all folks! Won't be updating until I get my COE! Hope it'll just be a few more days.
I have set up this blog to document my life as an exchange student when I'm in Japan. Yes, JAPAN! The holy grail of manga, anime, sushi, sashimi, historical sites and much much more!! Yup because of this reason that's why I decided to name my blog this way. Initially I thought of something like Xchange@Osaka but somehow this name ain't bringing out any kicks.. So I decided to name it SushiLandExchange as a tribute to my love for Japanese cuisine =)
Right now I mainly spend my time brushing up my
As of now, I am still waiting for the
Other than these issues, I've just been keeping fit by playing badminton and swimming once a week. I plan to take my IPPT before I fly off but I haven't booked a date yet.. cos of my low confidence in my 2.4km. I better starting training...
Well that's all folks! Won't be updating until I get my COE! Hope it'll just be a few more days.
